THERE will inevitably be excited talk of a possible Grand Slam after Wales’s wonderful win in Ireland, but it is imperative they are just as professional when they face Scotland on Sunday.

I thought the hallmarks of the victory in Dublin were the character and single-minded ruthlessness of the Welsh players and coaching staff.

After an indifferent start to the Six Nations on Saturday, this titanic battle between two well-matched sides really brought the competition to life and was a brilliant advert for northern hemisphere rugby.

There were five marvellous tries in all, with the three scored by Wales coming from some stunning approach play by the likes of George North and Rhys Priestland.

There was some genuine world-class talent on display at the Aviva Stadium but, for all the quality Wales showed, it was their professionalism which really struck me.

With the Irish dignitaries presented to the players before the three anthems were played, the pre-match pleasantries could have taken the edge off the preparation that had gone in the changing rooms.

But Shaun Edwards was certainly not going to let that happen.

As soon as the final note had sounded on Ireland’s second anthem, Wales’s defence coach had his players rushing over to their try line and blasting themselves at a line of tackle bags.

If there was any risk of the players easing off after the long preamble, Edwards made sure they were physically and mentally pumped up from the off as they hammered into the bags.

It paid dividends, with Wales starting brightest and going on to claim a deserved victory.

After all the injuries Wales had suffered in the build-up to the game in Dublin, I thought they might have struggled against an Ireland side packed full of in-form players.

But, however well the Irish lads may have been playing for their provinces, they simply could not compete with George North and Jonathan Davies.

The Scarlets duo are undoubtedly British Lions in the making.

One of the most memorable personal performances I have ever witnessed was an awesome four-try showing at the 1995 World Cup from a young man called Jonah Lomu.

It was an absolute privilege to see the great wing in full flight, leaving Englishmen scattered on the floor on his way to the try line.

And although I don’t want to put too much pressure on young George, he was certainly reminiscent of Lomu on Sunday.

He left a trail of flailing Irish defenders in his wake as he stormed through tackles and, when you see him in this sort of form, you have to keep reminding yourself that he’s still only 19 years old.

He is fast becoming a world-class talent, and another player coming of age on the international stage was playing alongside him on Sunday.

Jonathan Davies has really grown into his role for Wales, having carried his regional form into the World Cup and now the Six Nations.

Since Regan King left the Scarlets, Davies has taken greater responsibility in midfield, and we are beginning to see him blossom into a Lions contender.

There were some enormous positives to come from Sunday’s win, but the players must guard against complacency against Scotland.

The Scots weren’t impressive against England, but they are a dangerous side. It’s vitally important Wales are professional against Scotland because it would be typical of the Scots to come down to Cardiff and cause an upset.